Often described as Oulton Broad's hidden oasis, Ivy House Country Hotel has 20 individually designed bedrooms including Courtyard rooms, Executive Garden and Farmhouse rooms. Most have views of the garden and surrounding countryside. Dining is in the beamed 18th Century thatched Crooked Barn Restaurant where everything from bread to ice-cream is made by their chefs (special diets are happily catered for). Their special winter breaks include a ‘Pre-Christmas’ package from £175 per (double occupancy) room for a 2-night stay, with dinner on one night. They also have ‘Short Break’ packages from £230 per (double occupancy) room for DB&B for two nights.